learning to enjoy grace

Take It All Off My Shoulders (guest post for Author Shannon Popkins)

“Don’t be afraid. God is for you. Nothing is impossible with Him.” Shannon Popkin made those three points in her speaking engagement at my church a couple years ago, and they’ve stuck with me all this time.

That was the first time I met Shannon. That’s how she is – memorable. I sense God’s Spirit in her words, spoken and written. A beyond normal impact. She is encouraging, funny, and real. So when she wrote a book called Control Girl, I was happy to help spread the word. (You can read my review here.)

For years, I failed to see that I had any control issues at all. I thought of myself as invested. Concerned. Just trying to help. I only took matters into my own hands because I cared so much! The last word I would have chosen to describe myself was “controlling”. Besides, nobody told me outright that I was controlling–not even my husband. Yet, there were signs….Anger, anxiety, fear, perfectionism… They were all erupting from a heart that craved control.Does this sound like you? If so, don’t despair. I have good news for you AND I have tools to help.

In an ironic encounter with my own control issues, I got to hear Shannon speak about her book before I read it. Just recently I shared the story with Shannon, and she is featuring it on her website today!

Pearl Allard

“In commanding us to glorify Him, God is inviting us to enjoy Him.” ~ C.S. Lewis

I love the sunflower as a spiritual metaphor. Did you know during the sunflower’s bud stage it tracks the sun’s daily movement across the sky? I am an imperfect Son-follower learning to enjoy the grace of Jesus and on mission to nurture others to enjoy it, also — especially the one who thinks she shouldn’t. I am happily-mostly-aftered to my hero of fifteen years and am stay-at-home mama to two crazy-wonderful kids in Michigan. I’ve written for (in)courage, Breathe Christian Writers Conference, and Keys for Kids.